I’ve never been a fan of performance powders, gummies, or gels – not only do I not love the taste, they honestly make me feel a bit sick. I cook up a storm at home, but I feel like I’ve never really dialed in on how to fuel my adventures on the trail or at the crag. So when I came across a copy of Peak Nutrition: Smart Fuel for Outdoors by Maria Hines & Mercedes Pollmeier, I was definitely intrigued.

Last April, I pulled up the windy road in the pre-dawn darkness to the race start, and I thought, “am I really ready for this?” I reviewed my checklist of race items, wondered what layers of clothing I should commit to and scanned the emerging group of runners and race organizers to see who I recognized in the misty West Virginia morning. I was about to step off and run the longest distance I had ever run in my forty-three years.

As a part of the Appalachian Temperate Rainforest, the New River Gorge receives about 26 inches of rain per year on average. That’s a lot of rain - and forecasts here are often less than helpful. Fortunately, afternoon showers shouldn’t have to put a damper on your climbing plans.